This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Estonia. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Estonia country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Estonia at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tallinn as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Crimes against persons mainly occur in congested areas. Tallinn and Ida-Viru County, which contains the Estonia-Russia border town of Narva, remain the leaders in per capita crime rates. Pickpocketing, theft, and petty crime do occur, particularly in areas where tourists and foreigners congregate. The three highest crime areas in Tallinn are city center, Lasnamäe, and Kopli. In the summer, pickpockets are very common, often working in teams in crowded areas, particularly in Old Town. Pickpockets use various diversionary tactics to distract victims; one method involves bumping the victim to draw their attention to one individual, while another takes their wallet. Victims should report the crime to the police and cancel credit cards as soon as possible. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

The police monitor the most high-risk areas with surveillance units, but incidents do occur. Theft from vehicles and vandalism of vehicles can occur almost anywhere, but occur mostly in poorly illuminated areas, unsecured parking locations, and near the port. Authorities generally classify the threat of thefts from vehicles, personal robberies, and residential break-ins as crimes of convenience.

In 2019, police registered 24,267 crimes, an increase of 3% from 2018; 40% of those were crimes against property (same percentage as 2018). The number of registered violent crimes increased by 13%; 60% of those were domestic violence offenses. There were 35 reported homicides, a decrease of 13% from 2018. Diving under the influence (DUI) arrests numbered 7,140, an increase of 5% from 2018. After a major decrease in drug-related crimes during 2018, drug offenses increased by 7% in 2019. The biggest increase in crime continues to be economic crimes, with a 100% increase in money laundering offenses.

The majority of incidents affecting U.S. nationals involved individuals who were alone and/or intoxicated, and occurred between 2200-0600 hours. Visitors who consume alcohol should exercise moderation and designate a sober member of the group to be in charge of security awareness. Review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Those residing in Tallinn should ensure that leased residences have adequate security equipment including, but not limited to, security lighting, high-quality locks, and an alarm system with 24-hour monitoring service.

A limited number of small, organized criminal groups operating in Estonia are involved in trafficking, drugs, and large-scale theft, as well as vehicle theft and fraud. Though the instances of these scams are limited, they have taken advantage of U.S. nationals. Travelers lured into a drinking establishment have become heavily intoxicated and seen grossly inflated charges run on their credit cards.

ATM use is generally safe. Several law enforcement agencies investigate transnational credit card fraud cases that have either originated in Estonia or transited Estonian institutions. The bulk of these crimes do not occur in Estonia; rather, criminal elements use technically savvy Estonian criminals to commit crimes elsewhere. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybercrime is a growing concern, but does not represent a major threat to individuals or foreign businesses in Estonia. It continues to be a major issue in neighboring countries.

Those traveling to Estonia’s eastern border should recognize the potential for cyber security threats and respond appropriately to avoid becoming a victim. Assume that Russian sources monitor all communications (e.g. emails, calls, texts); avoid any communication you don’t want to end up in Russian hands. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, and Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road conditions are generally good, and approach Western European standards; however, the winter (October-April) provides a unique set of challenges. Estonia often receives heavy snowfall and sub-freezing temperatures; road conditions can deteriorate quickly with a heavy accumulation of snow/ice with little warning. City streets (even the main thoroughfares) are often poorly plowed and difficult to negotiate. Many streets in the Old Town Tallinn area are cobblestone, making icy navigation more dangerous. Authorities have shut down main arteries in the country due to drifting snow, stranding passengers in their vehicles for extended periods. Additionally, there are fewer than six hours of daylight in the winter, further limiting visibility and exacerbating already poor driving conditions. Estonian laws require the use of winter or studded tires from December 1- March 31. Tires should bear the mark “M+S.”

Streets are often lack proper lighting; exercise care when driving after dark outside of city centers. In rural areas, wild animals and icy road conditions can create unexpected hazards. Watch out for dark-clothed/intoxicated pedestrians along poorly illuminated roads or darting across dimly illuminated streets/highways. Estonian law requires the use of personal reflective devices for pedestrians from December 1-March 31. Devices are available from most grocery and convenience stores.

Pedestrians have the right of way in signed/labeled crosswalks; prepare to slow your vehicle when approaching a crosswalk if pedestrians are near, and to stop for public transportation (tram/bus) stops in the middle of the road, allowing passengers to get to/from the sidewalk.

You must always use your headlights while driving. The use of seatbelts, both front and rear, is mandatory in Estonia, as are car seats for infants. Talking on cell phones while driving is illegal, except when using a hands-free system. It is illegal to turn right on a red light.

In case of an accident, do not attempt to move the vehicle to the side of the road until the police reach the scene. The Eesti Autoklubi (Estonian Auto Club), which is affiliated with AAA, provides emergency roadside assistance. You do not need to be a member to receive assistance, although fees are lower for members. To request roadside assistance or towing service, dial 1888.

Estonian law requires an International Driving Permit and a valid U.S. driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle; police levy hefty fines on those not properly documented to drive. Estonian drivers can be aggressive; visitors should drive defensively. To avoid vehicle-related incidents (e.g. theft, vandalism), park vehicles in secured, well-illuminated parking lots, and use an alarm/anti-theft device (steering wheel lock). Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Estonian law enforcement authorities have a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving; penalties are severe. Police are increasing the use of random roadblocks, speed traps, and breathalyzer tests, often subjecting drivers departing the ferry terminal to breathalyzers.

Public Transportation Conditions

The overall transportation system is safe and effective. Trains, trams, and buses are popular. Travelers who use the train or ferry services should not loiter at the station; arrive with adequate time to purchase a ticket and board. The port and main train station can attract criminal elements and substance-dependent individuals.

Taxis are reliable and safe, particularly those from larger, more established companies. Transportation apps like Uber and Bolt can help you request vehicle transportation. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights and Safety and Security in the Share Economy.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tallinn as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There are no known indigenous terrorist organizations in Estonia, which is not a known base of support/sympathy for transnational terrorists. Estonia faces the same threat of international terrorism as other European countries due to its participation in the Schengen area. Its border with Russia, political alignment with U.S. foreign policy, and military cooperation with the U.S. increases its vulnerability as a target of international terrorism. The issue of foreign fighters is not a significant one for Estonia, with less than five reported cases over the past several years.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tallinn as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe has raised concerns that events, unrest, and tension there could affect the Baltic countries, at least indirectly. There is no indication of these broader regional issues extending to Estonia.

Civil Unrest

Civil unrest has been rare. Demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience are generally limited and peaceful. Authorities identify and monitor demonstrations via the government’s permit process. Demonstrations generally take place near government buildings, significant landmarks, or other areas of significance to the ethnic-Russian minority.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Even though statistics indicate that incidents against individuals based on race, religion, or sexual orientation/gender identity are limited, the U.S Embassy noted an increase in reports of race-related incidents coinciding with Europe’s refugee crisis; reports decreased in the following years. There are still occasional comments by fringe elements of Estonian society against refugees, signifying that the underlying sentiment is still present in certain elements of the population.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

There have not been any significant anti-U.S. or anti-Western protests reported in recent years.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Falling ice from buildings can be a potentially deadly problem in the winter and spring, in addition to slippery roads and sidewalks.

Flooding can be an issue in low-lying areas near rivers during the spring thaw.

Economic Concerns

Bank and currency exchange counters may refuse to accept crumpled, torn, discolored, or defaced U.S. currency.

Critical Infrastructure

Fire is a concern because many Soviet-era buildings contain antiquated electrical/structural components. Those considering leasing/buying residential or commercial property should conduct a thorough inspection to ensure sound structural integrity, a safe electrical system, and emergency egress routes designed/retrofitted with features to facilitate quick and safe evacuation. When viewing multi-tenant buildings, consider the safety of the entire building. Many renovated multi-tenant units appear new; however, common areas may contain outdated electrical infrastructure and other conditions that pose safety/security concerns.

Personal Identity Concerns

Report all racially motivated incidents immediately to the U.S. Embassy.

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI+ events in Estonia. Estonian law prohibits discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics, and the government generally respects these prohibitions. While the law is not specific regarding the forms of sexual orientation and gender identity covered, in practice all are understood to be included. LGBTI+ travelers should consider exercising caution when visiting Estonia, especially when expressing affection in public, as local advocacy groups report incidents of verbal or physical assault based on perceived LGBTI+ identity. See the English-language website of the Estonian visitor’s bureau for specific information regarding the LGBTI community in Estonia, and review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Estonian law requires that most new public buildings and others with community space (e.g., shopping centers) be accessible for persons with disabilities. However, older buildings are not required to meet these requirements. In general, public transport is not accommodating to people with mobility disabilities, although select Tallinn public buses, trams, and trolleys have special equipment to assist persons in wheelchairs. The English-language website of the Estonian visitor’s bureau contains general information for disabled visitors, with specific information for visually-impaired travelers and those using wheelchairs. In addition, general accessibility information for hotels and other accommodations in Estonia is available. An Estonian advocacy group for the disabled, Freedom of Movement (Liikumisvabadus), has a site that provides specific accessibility ratings for hundreds of businesses and public buildings in Estonia, as well as other useful information. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crimes

Combating drug-related crimes is a priority for police agencies. Cross-border smuggling of drugs is a major problem in the Baltics. The rate of illegal drug use in Estonia has increased in recent years, with the rate of intravenous drug use among the highest in Europe. This contributes to an increase in the number of high-risk crimes.

Police Response

The police emergency line in Estonia is 112. Police response times can vary from several minutes to an hour, depending on the nature of the call, time of day, call volume, and resource constraints. Do not misinterpret response times as a lack of professionalism or competence on the part of local authorities. Police agencies are professionally trained and competent, and officers very commonly speak English. Police have become more respected and better trained in recent years, but continue to deal with a lack of resources. Recent initiatives have resulted in increased wages, aiding recruitment and retention of police officers. However, this was offset by a reduction in overall staffing levels. To respond to the needs of visitors, police concentrate vehicular and foot patrols in highly populated and touristed areas. For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

Estonia has two government security agencies:

• The Estonian Police and Border Guard serve as the first response police force. They investigate all levels of criminal activity, provide border security, and issue identity documents.
• The Estonian Security Police (KAPO) operates on a federal level to fight corruption, terrorism, and threats to national security.

If police detain you, comply with instructions. Incidents of police abuse and corruption are very rare. Detained foreigners who experience a language barrier should request an interpreter, and should not sign any documents/reports until they are confident that the document’s contents are consistent with the details of the incident or the victim’s statement. This is especially true for traffic accidents, as the initial police response will often attribute fault for the accident.

Visitors who are victims of crime should report it immediately to the local police department. After reporting the incident to the police, U.S. victims should contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy (+372-668-8100) to report the crime and request assistance. A U.S. national who wishes to request emergency assistance should call the Embassy’s Consular Section during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Estonian time) at 668-8128, -8111 or -8197. Outside of normal business hours, call 668-8100 to speak to the Duty Officer.

Group 4 Securicor (G4S), Securitas, and several smaller private sector security firms maintain formal agreements with law enforcement that allow private security firm personnel to intervene in the interest of public safety. These same companies offer contract personal security.

Medical Emergencies

The medical emergency line in Estonia is 112. Medical care in Estonia falls short of Western standards outside the larger cities such as Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu. Many medical professionals in Estonia are highly trained, but some hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Many doctors speak at least some English, though English is less prevalent in the healthcare sector than in other parts of society; communication could be difficult in hospitals for visitors who do not speak Estonian or Russian. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme-disease are widespread throughout the country. Use CDC-recommended insect repellents containing either 20% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to help diminish bites from ticks and other insects if you intend to visit parks or forested areas (even within parks in Tallinn). Those who will be camping or have prolonged outdoor exposure should pretreat clothing and equipment with permethrin. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations are as a series of three doses. The vaccine is not available in the United States. Those who will be living in Estonia or those with shorter visits with extensive outdoor activities in wooded areas should receive the vaccine. There are no vaccines against Lyme disease.

Closely linked to the high rate of intravenous drugs use, Estonia has one of the highest HIV rates in all of Europe.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.

Like much of Europe, outbreaks of measles are frequent in Estonia. Travelers should have two documented doses of MMR vaccine prior to traveling. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Estonia.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Country Council in Tallinn is active, meeting twice annually. Contact OSAC’s Europe team for more information or to join.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn

Hours of Operation: 0830 – 1730, Monday – Friday

Embassy Operator: +372-668-8100

Duty Officer: +372-509-2129

Website: https://ee.usembassy.gov/

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix
• OSAC Travelers Toolkit
• State Department Traveler’s Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)